Delving into the Secrets of Khan Al Khalili

There are different kinds of people in this world. Some of them are pretty recognisable. In other words, spotting a travel bug is easy; those with itchy feet will always be excited to get to know new places.

If you fall into this category, we advise packing up and leaving for Cairo. You surely have heard a lot about Egypt’s treasures; some places never had the same hype as others. Khan Al Khalili is on the same list as many other places.

The name may seem a bit weird, but regardless, it is a place that you will fall in love with. Keep on reading to learn all you need to know about this significant place.

What is Khan Al Khalili?

Egypt has always been famous for its many landmarks, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Nile River, and the Downtown and Cairo Towers. However, few people know about the other significant places its splendid land holds within the borders.

Khan Al Khalili is one of the major local markets in Cairo’s Islamic District, one of its oldest and most significant districts.

Khan Al Khalili is a vast bazaar that attracts foreigners and Egyptians alike. It is the place where people can grab some of the best rare antiques, jewellery and souvenirs.

Nowadays, the place is crowded by Egyptians rather than foreign merchants. However, that has not changed, as it is still one of the most significant tourist attractions.

The place is also an assembly for multiple workshops that operate around the area, making the place one of the most important sites for the locals. Above and beyond, there are more than a few restaurants, coffee shops, and street food vendors around the area. All of them are pretty traditional and small; they offer coffee, Arabic dishes, and hookah.

One of the most prominent coffee shops around the place is El Fishawy Café. This humble café shop has been around since 1773. Interestingly, the café’s name belonged to a man, Fishawy, who used to sell coffee around the area after the afternoon prayer.

The demand grew faster than he ever imagined, so he had to open a café to serve his family, friends, and neighbours. In addition to El Fishawy Café, there is an Al Hussien Mosque.

The Islamic District of Cairo

The Islamic District is the site of the Great Bazaar. Its name dates back to the Islamic history of Egypt. It is a part of Central Cairo where multiple mosques, tombs, and mansions exist.

The site is also close to the Citadel of Cairo, one of Egypt’s historical landmarks and tourist attractions. In the late 1970s, UNESCO declared this area of Historic Cairo one of the World Cultural Heritage Sites. This area holds a significant portion of the city’s oldest Islamic history.

The History of the Place

Khan Al Khalili was not initially the primary market it is today. Although it may currently be one of the most significant landmarks in Cairo, people did not go there before the Islamic era impacted it.

The Saffron Tomb

It was initially the site of a known tomb called Turbat Al-Zaafraan. This name means Saffron Tomb and was because it has always been the burial site of the Fatimid caliphs. In 970 AD, a general, Jawhar Al Siqilli, seized Egypt during the Fatimid dynasty.

He also founded Cairo in the same year. During that time, the area of Khan Al Khalili was part of the complex of a palace that belonged to the Fatimid rulers, known as the Fatimid Great Eastern Palace.

Jawhar Al Siqilli, the founder of Cairo, was originally a Christian slave. But that was only until Al Moezz came along to free him from the enslavement. Jawhar was also the one who built the Al-Azhar Mosque.

The Era of Sultan Barquq

Sultan Barquq was the first Circassian Mamluk Sultan. He was in rule throughout the end period of the 14^th century. During his first span of the ruling, Jaharkas al-Khalili, the Master of the Stables, set destruction upon the Fatimid cemetery, which is now Khan Al Khalili.

He did so to establish a large roadside with a large building where travellers and merchants could rest. Sultan Barquq wanted the site to lie at the heart of Cairo. Subsequently, he threw the buried bones of the old Fatimid rulers into the rubbish hills. The building the Sultan built is known as Khan in Arabic.

Despite the ravages of the Black Death, Egypt managed to be the centre of economic activity. At that time, the Khan lay in the middle of the most significant zone in Cairo. It existed where the economic activity was at its finest. This zone existed along an axis called the Qasaba, which is now Al Moezz Street. During the Mamluk period, the Qasaba held more than a few epic religious structures.

The whole district surrounding Khan Al Khalili was the foremost foreign trade centre during the 15^th century. This place also included selling precious stones and slaves.

The Era of Sultan Al-Ghuri

Sultan Al-Ghuri was the last important Mamluk Sultan of Egypt. He improved the design of the entire district by altering the outline of the place. Sultan Al-Ghuri started a significant campaign to wipe out and start the construction from scratch.

He built a large Wikala—a synonym for Khan—for himself and a religious complex. Al-Ghuri planned to bring down the original Khan building, which a guy named Al-Khalili built, and rebuild it again. Its second construction aimed to transform it into a commercial complex with regular streets around which monumental gates lie.

The complex turned into a central bazaar where merchants sold precious goods. The area had gates the locals locked at night for security and protection. Some sources claim that the structure of the commercial complexes pretty much resembled those of the Ottoman cities. They believed so because the Ottoman Empire was Egypt’s only rival for the duration of all those constructions.

Al-Ghuri had other constructions within this area, including Wikala Al-Qutn, which means the building of Cotton. Parts of this building are still visible today. Some of the other remaining places include Bab Al-Ghuri and Bab Al-Badistan.

The reign of Sultan Al Ghuri began the establishment of the Turkish community in Cairo. During the Ottoman period, they found themselves in that area, Khan Al Khalili, which had always been famous for the abundance of Turkish merchants.

A Tour Around Khan Al Khalili

The place sounds mesmerising. Even describing it will pique your interest, and you will be keen to visit it the next time you head to Cairo. Besides, many sources have claimed that Khan Al Khalili has been the oldest bazaar in the open air ever since it came into life. To be more precise, it is the oldest one in the whole Middle East, not only Egypt.

Aside from your interest in learning about this fascinating place, there is much to do. It may be just a bazaar, but not a regular one.  Khan Al Khalili is a vast market from which you can buy gifts, including clothing, jewellery, perfumes, and spices.

Above and beyond, all of the items that the shoppers there offer are of high quality. The evidence is quite evident because the market would not have survived all those years. As luck would have it, it still attracts locals and foreigners alike.

A Glimpse at the Egyptian Art

You may grab all the items you like at the magnificent bazaar, Khan Al Khalili. However, what could be of a more fabulous treasure is the fact that you’ll come in contact with the truth of the Egyptian culture.

You will also relive the old days of Egypt through the street surrounding Khan Al Khalili. Interestingly, you will also learn about the creative side of the Egyptians. The latter is because most of the items found at the bazaar are the products of local artisans.

Many local artists show their talent and creativity by making little souvenirs. They indeed find appreciation in what they produce because their items are usually bought by whoever passes by, be it a foreigner or a local.

The Surrounding Tourist Attractions

Khan Al Khalili is located in one of Cairo’s most prominent districts. However, it is not the only tourist attraction nearby. Al Hussien Mosque is also located just a few kilometres away.

You would not want to miss another cultural landmark in Cairo. The mosque has existed since 154. The cemetery on which it lies belonged to the Fatimid caliphs. It is one of the holiest sites in Cairo, for it is an Islamic place that contains the world’s oldest manuscript of the Qur’an.

Have you ever visited the Khan Al Khalili? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

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